Here is a “before” although it is somewhat after because we removed a bunch of wallpaper and we made over the kitchen cabinet doors last year. The existing backsplash has just been a bit drab and-with it being painted paneling-a bit more challenging. We aren’t ready to commit to tile because we aren’t 100% sure what we want to do long term with this space.

We wanted to create a grey herringbone diagonal tile look with white grout lines, so after painting the entire back splash in Iron Gate grey and allowing it to dry for at least 24 hours I began taping off all of the vertical lines.

I had to measure, divide into equal vertical rectangles, tape, and paint the vertical grout lines. This took some time! It’s not hard at all. Just time consuming to make sure that everything is correct before painting.

The setup is DEFINITELY the most time consuming part of this project, but be patient because the final result is worth it!

Be sure that the edges of the tape are securely pressed down and then use a dry brush {dip in the paint and then brush off excess} to seal in the ScotchBlue™ Painter’s Tape before painting a second coat of the white on. Remove the painters tape carefully while the paint is still wet.

After Myra and I decided on the angle and height of our tiles and width of our grout lines, I then lightly marked where each diagonal tile line would intersect the vertical lines, taped, and painted my diagonal lines. Again, patience is the key here!

Remember to press the tape edges down securely and do the dry brush technique to help keep the paint from seeping through the tape. Crisp lines are the goal! 🙂

I pulled the tape shortly after painting the diagonal lines and bam! You get nervous as you pull this tape off. A dreaded sense of finality kinda kicks in. Ha! Trust your patient preparation and setup!

Seriously. That is a backsplash improvement!! I knew I was on the right track when a relative recently came over and, while looking at the finished product, said “That looks really good! What is that?” thinking it was some kind of actual tile! Yes!

Here are a few more “after” photos for your viewing pleasure…

Pretty!!

This space has been so elevated with the geometric backsplash. It’s so much more interesting and dynamic than before.

We are proud to be 3M, Behr®, and Wooster® – sponsored bloggers, and, as part of our responsibilities, we get the opportunity to evaluate products. Opinions are our own and additional product used in the project were selected by us.

Love it!! Well done Mr. Myblessedlife. I have to say a lot of men do not possess the patient attribute.. well I guess some women as well…… I would have got half way through that and been like..ah forget it. But it was well worth it! What made you guys decide against tile however?Andrea´s last blog post ..The Top Tips To Home Improvement And Where You Should Begin

THIS IS AWESOME! I have been thinking of doing something similar in my kitchen because we too arent quite ready to commit to tile backsplash since we dont know what we want + cost. GREAT idea, this is for sure giving me the itch to paint now!

I LOVE how you’ve updated this kitchen! Absolutely adorable and so sharp. Next on my list is to follow your lead and update my blank 1950’s cupboard doors. We’ve been working on the kitchen over the last few years and it’s come A LONG way. As for the painters tape and my favorite use… this winter we painted our kitchen and breakfast nook floor with white epoxy and black industrial enamel. You can see it here: